If you’re falling headfirst, whether it’s two meters or 20 is almost academic. You only need to turn to page 29 for the story of a worker who died from a 2.5m fall.

That’s why the new Work at Height regulations, issued last month, removed the old 2m-rule that exempted firms from taking serious measures to protect workers from “shorter” falls.

Now, handrails and other edge protection must be used for work under 2m. This makes sense because there are more major injuries resulting from low falls than from falls above two metres, although far more fatalities result from higher falls (see table).

Inspectors will be on the lookout, said chief inspector Kevin Myers: “HSE inspectors will ensure that the existing standards are maintained but that greater attention is also paid to the risk from low falls.”

The HSE’s Question and Answer Brief is free and can be downloaded at www.hse.gov.uk/construction/pdf/fallsqa.pdf. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (S.I.2005 No 735) are accessible via the HMSO website at www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2005/20050735.htm.

Source

Construction Manager

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